The Link Between Meth Addiction and Parkinson’s

Scientists have identified a possible connection between Parkinson’s and the usage of methamphetamine. According to the Science Daily report, a protein has been found that is not just integral to the process that leads to Parkinson’s disease but it could also play a part in causing the high that is attained when using methamphetamine as well as other addictive drugs.

The protein called organic cation transporter 3 (oct3) satisfies the gap that scientists have focused on when trying to get info about the brain damage that causes symptoms including:

Tremors

Stiffness

Slowness of movement

Postural instability

Doctors understand that symptoms of Parkinson’s are caused because of the death of a very minute, specialized set of brain cells. The task has been to understand the cause of death of the cells.

A number of studies in this regard have usually neglected astrocytes, the cell type that can be commonly found in the brain, as these don’t emit electrical signals. Because of this, neurons get a lot of attention but astrocytes still play a crucial part in Parkinson’s disease. When exact chemicals are released from atrocytes including dopamine, the neurons get killed. In the presence of oct3, the impact of chemical reactions inside the brain modifies.

Scientists have come to the conclusion that oct3 is used for assisting astrocytes to absorb excess dopamine in the area around the neurons.This process is hugely interrupted with the use of methamphetamine and similar addictive drugs. When dopamine is not removed as fast or comprehensively as it usually is, people tend to feel excited while experiencing brain damage at the same time.

Scientists have reached a conclusion that in cases where there is lowered Oct3 activity, the potential for addiction is higher.

A person would tend to lower the effects in a state where it makes a harmful molecule available to vulnerable cells as explained in the present model of Parkinson’s disease. But in case of drug addiction, a person might try to increase it so as to lower the impact of a drug like methamphetamine.

Stopping the use of methamphetamine can be extremely difficult. But with the intervention of family and friends, the right course of action can be applied.